Gallery
Festivals Gallery
Uprka was deeply interested in depicting both the everyday lives of Moravian folk and their special occasions and celebrations. Most prominently, Uprka depicted the pilgrimage of St. Anthony which continues to take place at the Baroque pilgrimage chapel in Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem, Czechia.
Piety Gallery
Moravia is home to one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. Moravia was also home to the Hussite movement, founded and led by Jan Hus in early 15th century Bohemia. Additionally, Moravia is home to a pilgrimage of Saint Anthony. Deep religious culture and tradition saturated life in Moravia and Uprka worked to immortalize it in his work. This immortalization is pertinent to remembering religious tradition and devotion preceding the takeover of the Soviets.
Scarves / Costumes Gallery
The Moravian folk costume (kroj) is a prolific part of Moravian history and culture. Joza Uprka held Moravian folk costume in high esteem and integrated it into the majority of his work. The elements of kroj usually consist of intricately embroidered blouses, vests, aprons and skirts for women, in addition to eye-catching sophisticated tied head scarves. Colors, patterns, and type of dress could indicate age and martial status.
Work Gallery
Joza Uprka captured the essence of traditional Moravian countryside life. With a thriving agriculture infrastructure, Uprka took special interest in depicting the rural population and their farming practices. Land was measured in “láns” (Czech for hide), with social status and economic position directly connected to the size of the land a farmer worked. A peasant farmer cultivating a full lán was called a lánik, and a half-hide farmer was a půláník, indicating their social standing.